There’s a Long-Shot Proposal to Protect California Workers From AI
Billionaire California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer is unveiling a new proposal aimed at guaranteeing jobs with benefits for workers displaced by artificial intelligence. This initiative marks the first time such a pledge has been made on a state-wide level.
The plan, which builds upon a broader AI policy framework Steyer released in March, promises to make California “the first major economy in the world” to ensure “good-paying” jobs for workers impacted by AI. To achieve this goal, Steyer plans to utilize a previous proposal involving a “token tax,” where big tech companies would be taxed “a fraction of a cent for every unit of data processed” for AI. The funds generated from this tax would be directed towards what Steyer has dubbed the Golden State Sovereign Wealth Fund, with some of these funds allocated for projects like building housing, improving healthcare, and modernizing California’s energy infrastructure.
- The initiative aims to bolster the state’s economy, support local communities, and create beautiful public spaces. To facilitate these efforts, Steyer intends to invest heavily in training and apprenticeship programs across California.
- The proposal also seeks to expand unemployment insurance and establish a new agency called the AI Worker Protection Administration, which would include representatives from unions, academia, and technology sectors. These representatives would adopt rules designed to protect workers’ rights.
“People all over this state are deeply concerned that AI will hollow out our economy and lead to job losses,” Steyer told WIRED. “We believe this can be a transformative technology in many ways, but we’re not interested in leaving people behind.”
This proposal comes as lawmakers across the state and federal levels—along with even some AI executives—are scrambling to address the impacts of widespread AI adoption on US workforces. In New Jersey, for instance, Senator Troy Singleton recently introduced a bill requiring companies that replace workers with AI to contribute towards a fund meant to retrain those affected.
“The aim of the initiative will be to strengthen the foundation of the state’s economy, invest in our communities, and create beautiful, vibrant public spaces,” states a campaign memo viewed by WIRED. “To support these efforts, Tom will also invest heavily in training and apprenticeship programs across the state.”
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, previously suggested the concept of a token tax but noted that it was not in his economic interest. However, he indicated support for such a solution to address the problem. In April, OpenAI proposed a similar public wealth fund mechanism.
Steyer’s announcement follows another AI plan from Democratic primary opponent Xavier Becerra, who called for “workforce investment and transition support” but did not specify any funding mechanisms in his proposal.
“Displacement without support is abandonment,” Becerra said in a Monday memo. “I will work with the Legislature, the California public education system, and industry partners to build accessible, stackable workforce programs that prepare Californians for the AI economy and support workers navigating role changes.”
Over recent months, the White House has threatened to revoke federal broadband funding from states that regulate AI. In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that could cut off such funding from states with “onerous” AI laws. This regulatory push is also evident in local elections: A super PAC backed by several Silicon Valley powerhouses, including OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman, has targeted Alex Bores, a Manhattan congressional candidate who has placed the regulation of AI at the center of his campaign.
“Not regulating AI doesn’t seem remotely reasonable,” Steyer stated. “But if California wants to lead, we’ve got to have a vision for the future that includes something not just about letting entrepreneurs get rich at the expense of everybody else.”
Key Takeaways
- The proposal aims to protect workers from AI-induced job losses by investing in training and apprenticeship programs.
- It includes a “token tax” on tech companies, with proceeds going towards public infrastructure projects like housing, healthcare, and energy modernization.
- Steyer’s plan differs from other proposals in that it explicitly calls for job guarantees and protection of workers’ rights, unlike Becerra’s more general workforce investment proposal.
Originally published at wired.com. Curated by AI Maestro.
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